The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) has ordered all chiefs of police to coordinate with local government units in establishing designated areas for firecracker use and pyrotechnic displays.
BPPO director Senior Supt. Felipe Natividad issued the directive during a command conference joined by all 48 chiefs of police on Thursday at Camp Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City.
The mandate is part of safety preparations for Chistmas and New Year festivities, particularly as Filipinos are known to celebrate the holidays with firecrackers and fireworks.
The measure’s implementation is also in accordance with Executive Order No.28 which regulates the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
EO No. 28, signed by President Duterte on June 20, 2017, states that “the use of firecrackers shall henceforth be confined to community fireworks display.”
It also mandates the creation of designated areas for the sale of pyrotechnic materials.
Towns and cities will be allowed to conduct fireworks displays after securing a permit which indicates the date and time of the activity and its exact location.
Under the same EO, various government agencies including the Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resource and Bureau of Fire Protection are also directed to conduct information campaigns on the hazards of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. (R. Tutas)